The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State has been hit by a fresh political setback ahead of the 2027 governorship election, following the withdrawal of its Deputy Governorship candidate, Stella Charles Archibong, from the party’s ticket.
Archibong, who announced her decision in a video message, said she had resolved to abandon the NDC ticket after consultations with elders, members of her family, the Christian community and political stakeholders across the state.
She said her decision was informed by what she described as her greater responsibility to the state, insisting that the collective interest of Cross River was more important than her personal political ambition.
The former deputy governorship candidate also declared her support for the Back to South Movement championed by Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, thereby throwing her political weight behind the governor’s second-term ambition.
“My responsibility to Cross River State is bigger than my individual ambition,” Archibong said while explaining the reasons for her withdrawal.
She expressed gratitude to the NDC State Chairman, Goddy Akwama, the party’s governorship candidate, John Upan Odey, and the national leadership of the party for giving her the opportunity to contest on its platform.
Archibong also appealed to her supporters to understand her decision, tendering an apology to those who might feel disappointed by her withdrawal and appreciating their support during her political engagement.
Reacting to her exit, the NDC governorship candidate, John Upan Odey, said the development came as a surprise, but called on party members and supporters to remain calm and conduct themselves with maturity.
In a statement, Upan Odey said the party would approach the development with mutual respect and responsible leadership, adding that he held Archibong in high esteem and recognised her contributions to the political aspirations of the state.
He further disclosed that the party had commenced consultations with its leaders, stakeholders and other concerned persons to ascertain the circumstances surrounding her decision and determine the way forward.
The NDC candidate, however, maintained that Archibong’s withdrawal would not deter the party from pursuing its ambition of building a prosperous, inclusive and economically productive Cross River State.
Investigations revealed that Archibong had earlier raised reservations over the zoning of the governorship seat to the Northern Senatorial District, following the eight-year administration of former Governor Ben Ayade, who hails from the same district.
Her latest political move, which has seen her abandon the NDC ticket for the Otu-led Back to South Movement, is expected to alter the political calculations ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.